More Gilbert Gude, this time hidden on the back of the Outlook section in the Post, by Burton Kummerow, chairman of the Potomac River Basin Consortium:

"Gilbert Gude died June 7. There were no front-page headlines, just the completion of a long life, well lived. Gude was one of an older breed of elected officials, noted most for their civility and authenticity."

"Gude had a disarming affability. He made everyone he met feel important. His civility came naturally. Together with other Maryland Republican leaders of his era, such as Sen. Charles "Mac" Mathias and Gov. Theodore R. McKeldin, he understood the meaning of public discourse. Progress comes with dialogue, respect, compromise and friendship."

Meanwhile, the Baltimore Sun is acknowledging the Brian Frosh-Democratic double standard in Annapolis:

"After making so much noise about what happened during the Ehrlich years, Democrats failed to reduce the number of so-called at-will employees when they had a chance earlier this year. Could it be because they wanted to give the newly elected governor a free hand in personnel matters? It's hard to see it any other way. That was their moment of genuine hypocrisy."

-Editorial, The Baltimore Sun, June 19, 2007